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Damp Proofing

Damp Proof Course under ground level for a couple of years

Anonymous user 13/03/2024 - 2.31 PM

Looking to buy a property where part of the damp proof course is under ground level by a few centimetres. Chemical damp proofing was done a couple of years ago and it looks like the current owners have simply put paving in that sits a bit high, has gone over the damp course and blocked off the air bricks. Surveyor isn't overly concerned as the property is 1900 terrace and they suffer a bit from damp (apparently). It also looks like the work is a couple of years old that may have caused this. Immediate thought is to reestablish the gap by bringing the paving back and ensuring there is adequate space for the bricks to breathe, then let the lot dry out. Any thoughts on additional work that I should be considering?

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2 Answers

Trident Damp

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sidcup

You are right cut away a foot from the property in the areas affected dig down six inches below damp course and in fill with shingle use an angle grinder to cut slabs also make sure the vents are clear,as for the surveyor not being concerned this is not very professional unless he can guarantee you will not suffer any wood remedial problems as well as the damp what he is saying is hog wash, Victorian properties do suffer more from damp but this does not make it right. regards Joseph

Answered16 October 2012

Anonymous user

To be fair it's a case of trial and error and things need to be tackled in stages. Making sure the new dpc isn't covered (bridged) and exposing the air-bricks should be more than adequate. As long as the new chemical damp proof course was installed correctly everything should dry out fine. I'd say wait three to four months after re-establishing the gap and if things don't improve then ask an established damp surveyor to come and take a look and tell you exactly what is what as every situation is a lot easier to comment on after a visual inspection.

Answered9 September 2012